Nalanda rape victim gets choice examination centre

With barely four days left for the matriculation examination to start, the traumatised Nalanda rape victim, who has to appear in the examination but been living in isolation because of the stigma she feels, got a big relief on Sunday.

With barely four days left for the matriculation examination to start, the traumatised Nalanda rape victim, who has to appear in the examination but been living in isolation because of the stigma she feels, got a big relief on Sunday.

The minor’s examination centre has been changed as per the girl’s own choice as well as the preference of her family members.

Nalanda district magistrate Thiyagarajan SM, who happens to be the controller of examination in his district, told HT that the centre had been changed to a new place, as per the wishes of the candidate and the family members.

“In fact, we sent two women officers to her house to talk about it today. She has agreed to take her examination at a new centre, which I will not be able to disclose to protect her privacy,” he added.

Asked if the centre would be nearer her home, the DM said it would be.

“We have made arrangements to take her to the examination centre, where special arrangements will be made for her. It will not be at her home, but she will take her examination alone. The girl and her family are happy with the arrangement made in consultation with them,” he added.

Earlier, the girl’s examination centre was at Sohsarai Kisan College, 15km away from the place she lives after leaving the earlier accommodation, to escape prying eyes.

However, her father had told HT going there to take the examination would be too embarrassing for her.

On Sunday, principal secretary, department of education, DS Gangwar had told HT that she would get the examination centre of her choice.

“I have told the DM and others concerned to ensure that she got the examination centre she would be comfortable at. There is no problem in that,” he added.

The girl’s father had on Saturday told HT that his distressed daughter would not be able to take her examination, unless it was arranged at a separate centre, away from public gaze and not with other students.

He even wanted the examination to be conducted at home so that she could be prevented from further trauma of getting identified in the public.

However, BSEB officials said that arranging for a centre at home was not possible, though she would be given every facility to comfortably take her exams. Though one of her problems has been solved, the trauma for the girl and her family is far from over.

The main accused in the case, Nawada RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, remained untraceable despite all efforts by the state police and furore in the two houses of the state legislature over the horrific incident.

“She may pass the academic test, but the bigger mental test for all of us will continue,” said a family member.